NEW DELHI: The Central government on Friday held a crucial meeting with leaders of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), assuring them that discussions on their demands would continue in another round of talks scheduled for Saturday. The meeting came amid an intensifying nationwide protest campaign led by the CJP, with demonstrations taking place across several states demanding action on issues related to the alleged NEET paper leak, accountability in the education system, and relief for affected students.
The talks, held in New Delhi, lasted for nearly two hours and were attended by senior Union ministers and CJP representatives. While no final decision emerged from the discussions, both sides described the meeting as constructive. Government representatives said they had carefully listened to the concerns raised by the protesters and requested additional time to examine the demands before responding formally.
Government seeks time to examine demands
Following the meeting, CJP leaders said the Centre had assured them that their concerns were being taken seriously. According to the delegation, the government indicated that several of the issues raised required consultations within different ministries before a final position could be communicated.
The government reportedly asked for time until Saturday to continue the dialogue and present its response. Protest leaders agreed to attend another round of discussions but made it clear that the movement would continue until concrete steps were announced.
The Centre’s decision to continue negotiations is being viewed as an effort to avoid further escalation of the protests, which have gained support from students, youth groups and several civil society organisations across the country.
Protesters remain firm on key demands
Despite the government’s willingness to continue discussions, CJP leaders reiterated that they would not suspend their agitation without meaningful action. They maintained that the protest is focused on ensuring accountability and restoring public confidence in the country’s examination system.
Among the primary demands presented to the government were the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, financial assistance for families of students allegedly affected by the examination controversy, and the withdrawal of FIRs and legal cases registered against peaceful protesters during recent demonstrations.
The delegation said these demands were clearly placed before government representatives during Friday’s meeting, and they expect a detailed response in the next round of talks.
Nationwide protests continue
While negotiations were underway in Delhi, demonstrations continued across numerous districts under the CJP’s nationwide protest call. Student groups, youth organisations and supporters organised peaceful marches, sit-ins and public meetings in several states.
Participants carried banners demanding transparency in competitive examinations and accountability for those responsible for alleged irregularities. Protesters also appealed for reforms aimed at strengthening the credibility of recruitment and entrance examinations conducted across the country.
CJP leaders urged supporters to maintain discipline throughout the movement and avoid any form of violence, stressing that the campaign would remain peaceful.
Sonam Wangchuk ends fast, movement continues
Social activist Sonam Wangchuk, whose prolonged hunger strike had drawn national attention, recently ended his fast after receiving written assurances from the government on certain education-related issues. However, CJP leaders clarified that his decision should not be interpreted as the conclusion of the larger movement.
According to party founder Abhijeet Dipke, Wangchuk’s decision was based on humanitarian considerations, while the broader campaign for accountability and educational reforms would continue until all major concerns were addressed.
The leadership reiterated that the nationwide protests are no longer centred on a single individual but represent the collective voice of students and young citizens seeking greater transparency in public examinations.
Security remains tight in Delhi
Authorities maintained heightened security arrangements in the national capital as protests continued near Jantar Mantar and other designated locations. Police personnel remained deployed in sensitive areas to regulate crowds and ensure that demonstrations remained peaceful.
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Traffic diversions were implemented at several locations to manage movement around protest sites. Officials appealed to participants to cooperate with law enforcement agencies and avoid spreading misinformation through social media.
Despite the large gatherings, there were no reports of major violence during Friday’s demonstrations.
Opposition voices support
Several opposition parties continued expressing solidarity with the protesting students and called on the government to address their concerns without delay. Political leaders argued that transparency in the examination system is essential for maintaining public trust and urged the Centre to reach a fair resolution through dialogue.
Some opposition parties also criticised restrictions imposed around protest venues and demanded that democratic forms of peaceful protest be respected.
The issue has increasingly become a major political debate, with both the government and opposition presenting differing views on how the concerns raised by students should be addressed.
Another round of talks expected
With another meeting scheduled for Saturday, both sides are expected to continue discussions in an attempt to find common ground. Government representatives have indicated that they remain open to dialogue, while CJP leaders insist that negotiations must result in concrete decisions rather than assurances alone.
The outcome of the next round of talks is likely to determine the future course of the nationwide agitation. If no agreement is reached, protest organisers have indicated that demonstrations will continue across the country in the coming days.
As negotiations move into another phase, attention remains focused on whether continued dialogue between the Centre and CJP can lead to a resolution that addresses the concerns of students while restoring confidence in India’s education and examination system.
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